Aphrodite’s Girdle and the ways of overcoming stigmatization of those employed in the sex service sphere
A talk by Vika Begalska and Alexander Vilkin
26.10.2014
Aphrodite’s Girdle puppet show is the product of a collective effort by artists and sex workers. The show was made possible with a workshop conducted by Vika Begalska and Alexander Vilkin involving sex workers from the Silver Rose organization in St. Petersburg from July to October. The show is based on the interviews and life stories of sex workers. Sex workers are directly involved in the performance, they play the roles of main characters, provide the sound track for the puppets and present monologues by reciting them before the audience. Juxtaposing the common view of the modern society to true images of sex workers, the authors of the show tried to overcome the stigmatization of sex workers by public moral.
During the evening talk Vika Begalska and Alexander Vilkin will discuss the preparation of the puppet show, introduce viewers to the content of the play, and show video and photo documentation of project. Included are the images of the objects used as puppets, created by Alexander Vilkin. In addition, the artists will talk about the issues that are to be discussed at the upcoming round table event about the situation of sex workers in neo-liberal Russia. All those present are invited to take part in an open discussion. Welcome! The project Aphrodite’s Girdle will be shown on 31st October in Lyuda gallery, St. Petersburg. The project includes Aphrodite’s Girdle puppet show and Round-table discussion Overcoming Stigmatization of Those Employed in the Sex Service Sphere. Project organizers: Feminist kitchen Silver Rose Brooklyn House of Kulture |